Upgrade RAM, Video, and CPU for Intel D875PBZ

- Upgrading an older computer to maximize the RAM (Quantity and Quality) and improve the Video Card.
- OS is 32 Bit XP Pro (and that won't change any time soon).
- Currently running Corsair TwinX CMX512-3200LL (x2), nVidia GeForce Fx5600XT, Intel Pentium 4@3.0 GHz.
- I plan on keeping this computer in service for another 2-3 years.

My primary use is as a diagnostic computer on my workbench, but my son and grandsons use it to play their games on (hence the upgrades).

Its not a bad system as is. I'm not sure its good value for money for this system to be upgraded, compared to replacing it.
It should operate most games already, did you have any specific ones that are not working?
Maybe a operating system cleanup, or even reinstall could restore the snappiness of the system and make it more user friendly.

But seriously the bus speed has been far exceeded from the Pentium D days, memory is faster, Video cards are faster, but they are all expensive and you might do a better deal to get a replacement box, all included..
have a look at the 8500 processor, it rocks for its price, but will need new motherboard, memory and video since the new boards have different video connectors now-a-days.

Thank you for the quick replies.
I am OK on the basics of computer stuff (http://www.experts-exchange.com/M_3628488.html), but was looking for some specifics on the upgrades I mentioned.
The current PSU is a CoolerMaster @500 Watts, but I can upgrade that if needed.
As mentioned in the title, the Motherboard is an Intel D875PBZ.

@debuggerau - what is an "8500 processor"?
When I Google that expression, nothing significant shows up.

Memory addition will give you 3GB total. XP will probably only have about 3.25GB useable if you install 4GB.

Video is limited to AGP 8X and I hesitate to recommend a specific card. I do have some experience with Radeon X1650 cards and they are decent. Just search Newegg for AGP 8X video cards and see what tweaks your fancy.

If Gary comes along, he may be able to check available ranks on your mobo. That is a concern with DDR RAM and 1GB Corsair will have at least 2 ranks per stick. Are your 512MB modules single or double sided?

Yes, well the 2600 are PCI-E, and so this cuts him out of most reasonable gaming cards.

If your wanting to play the latest games at top resolution, with all features enabled, I'd replace the box...
If its just having it work acceptably, a second hand AGP card would be the best, I agree the 9800 series are good bang for buck, but nowhere the value of the latest PCI-E offerings..
And then there is the processor limits, the new core duo and quads are soooo much more bang for buck, sooo much better at running cool and with lower power. The bus speeds have gone from 533MHz (yours) to the current 9000 series (expensive, which is why I recommended a 8500 (8000 series Pentium) which operates at 1600MHz.
memory has more than doubled in speed, and worst of all, I expect your computer may not last the additional 2-3 years you require (depending on its use), expecting it is at least that old already.

My father asked me what computer to get for his last one ever...
He wants it to last for 15 years...
My brother replies with "well get it in 13 years time then..."

We could suggest something for a given dollar value, or to meet some software requirement...

Plus, the chips you would need to upgrade this unit are the extreme P4D 3.66 which are still highly sources by overclockers and have that price premium to reflect their uniqueness and scarcity. And still not enough bang to warrant the effort..

I have two D875PBZ systems -- one with a 2.8GHz and one with a 3.4GHz P-IV. I agree it's not worth upgrading the processor ... there's little performance difference. The 2.8GHz has been on non-stop for nearly two years in an HTPC and works very nicely (has 1TB of storage for recorded video). The 3.4GHz was my "main" machine until I built a Core-2 based system last year ... and is still sitting beside the new system - I use it occasionally (via KVM) for miscellaneous stuff. [Not worth enough to sell; too good to toss.]

The extra 2GB you just bought is a GREAT price !! I may have to order a pair myself!!

As you already know, the board supports dual channel operation -- and will work just fine with the two pairs you'll now have. I presume the 512MB modules are single-sided, so the bus load should be okay.

... your power supply's fine for any upgrade you'll be doing here -- even an X1950Pro (which I think is overkill for what you need). An HD 2600 should be a good performer ... although I have no experience with HIS cards. (I have a PCIe 2600XT which performs VERY well) The X1650 is less expensive, and would still be a nice upgrade over an Fx5600XT. Just depends on how much $$ you're willing to spend on better video.

@garycase --> you may disregard comment in email I just sent. Talk about timing :-)

I installed an HIS Radeon HD 2600XT fanless card in a custom system recently. Seems to be a very good card. HIS was selected due to Zalman heat sink on card. Runs cool for a fanless card. System was for MS Flight Simulator and Video (mainly play DVDs).

Tomshardware has some value recommendations for AGP video cards, depending on your budget (some were mentioned by Dizzybro already): http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/Best-Graphics-Card,2033-6.html. They regularly publish a new list every month, so check when you are ready to buy. You'll have to decide whether you want the card for your son or your grandsons - the requirements will likely be different.

@Callandor,
Thank you for posting.
I think I missed class on the day they talked about Hardware terms.

When I search for the expression "Radeon HD 3650", several different manufacturer's names pop up. Is this just a generic term that function/technology, etc?
Sorry for the rookie question, but I guess I've never paid attention to that before.

I'm going to post a 'related question' about really high-end Video cards (Vista 64 Bit) after this one is closed, so for now I just want something that will be easier on these old eyes.

Both nVidia and ATI sell GPUs to third party manufacturers who produce video cards, usually closely following a reference design. Like Intel chipsets are used by other mobo manufacturers as well as Intel. nVidia has never manufactured video cards while ATI once did and may still do although I haven't seen one lately.

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